US20100168783A1 - Intragastric balloon retrieval mechanisms - Google Patents
Intragastric balloon retrieval mechanisms Download PDFInfo
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- US20100168783A1 US20100168783A1 US12/712,112 US71211210A US2010168783A1 US 20100168783 A1 US20100168783 A1 US 20100168783A1 US 71211210 A US71211210 A US 71211210A US 2010168783 A1 US2010168783 A1 US 2010168783A1
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- expansion element
- tube
- balloon
- lumen
- retrieval mechanism
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/0003—Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices
- A61F5/0089—Instruments for placement or removal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/22031—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/0003—Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices
- A61F5/0013—Implantable devices or invasive measures
- A61F5/003—Implantable devices or invasive measures inflatable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/0003—Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices
- A61F5/0013—Implantable devices or invasive measures
- A61F5/0036—Intragastrical devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/22031—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi
- A61B17/22032—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi having inflatable gripping elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/221—Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3468—Trocars; Puncturing needles for implanting or removing devices, e.g. prostheses, implants, seeds, wires
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3478—Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/22031—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi
- A61B2017/22034—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi for gripping the obstruction or the tissue part from inside
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/22031—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi
- A61B2017/22035—Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi for retrieving or repositioning foreign objects
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B17/221—Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions
- A61B2017/2217—Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions single wire changing shape to a gripping configuration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
- A61M2025/1043—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications
- A61M2025/1054—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications having detachable or disposable balloons
Definitions
- the present invention relates, in general, to the use of an intragastric balloon and similar fluid-filled objects in treating obesity, and more particularly, to the devices and systems for endoscopical deflating and removing or retrieving such intragastric balloons and/or other fluid-filled objects from the stomachs of patients.
- Intragastric balloons such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,061 or other balloons and objects commercially available, are designed for providing short-term therapy for moderately obese individuals who need to shed pounds in preparation for surgery or as part of a dietary and behavioral modification program.
- a challenge with such balloons or fluid-filled objects is their removal after completion of therapy.
- a typical intragastric balloon is a made of a silicone elastomer shell that is inserted into the stomach of a patient and then filled with fluid.
- intragastric balloons are filled with saline solution or air but other fluids may be used in some situations.
- the intragastric balloon functions by partially filling the stomach, which enhances appetite control. Placement and filling of the intragastric balloon is completed non-surgically with a surgeon or doctor using an endoscope, gastroscope, or other device that is adapted for viewing internal cavities of a patient and with lumen or hollow channels for passing the retrieval instruments. Placement of intragastric balloons is temporary, and intragastric balloons are typically removed after six to twelve months.
- endoscopic deflation and extraction of intragastric balloons has been an arduous task due to the difficulty associated with manipulating the balloon within the stomach.
- One method of removing the balloon involves several steps, each with its own tool.
- a sharp-ended puncture device sometimes called a “killer,” is inserted through the working channel of an endoscope to puncture the balloon.
- the puncture device is then removed, and the saline solution is either allowed to enter the stomach cavity, or removed via an aspiration tube inserted through the working channel and into the balloon.
- a grasping device or “grasper” having prongs, teeth, or a wire loop is inserted through the working channel to snag or snare the outside surfaces of the balloon.
- the grasping device is used to pull the balloon through the esophagus as the gastroscope is removed.
- Other tools have been developed that provide a single tool that can pierce the balloon's shell, evacuate the fluid to deflate the balloon, and grasp or hook the outer surfaces of the balloon.
- an improved tool for supporting deflation and retrieval of intragastric balloons and other fluid-filled objects from the stomach of patients.
- a tool would be useful with existing medical systems or tools such as endoscopes and would provide quicker and more effective grasping or capture of the balloon or object to better support out-patient procedures.
- the removal system of the present invention includes a retrieval mechanism that can be inserted within the object via a lumen of the device used to deflate or aspirate the object contents (e.g., an aspirator tube or the like).
- the retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that can be compressed or provided in a first configuration that allows it to readily pass through the deflation tube lumen but that expands to a second or deployed configuration when it is positioned within the unrestricted space within the interior of deflated object to be removed.
- the second or deployed configuration of the expansion element is typically significantly larger than the outer dimensions of the deflation tube, and as a result, surfaces of the expansion element contact the inner surfaces of the object when the retrieval mechanism is withdrawn from the body cavity, thereby capturing and removing the object.
- the expansion element may take numerous forms, as discussed in detail herein, such as, but not limited to, a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, a spring retriever, an elongate body with tabbed ends, an expandable tubular body, and a rollable or collapsible cone.
- an apparatus for removing an inflatable object from a body cavity of a patient.
- the apparatus includes an aspiration or deflation tube with a lumen and a puncture member, such as a hollow needle, at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the wall of the inflatable object.
- the puncture member includes a lumen that is in fluid communication or is fluidly coupled with the deflation tube lumen.
- the apparatus further includes a retrieval mechanism that can be slid within the deflation tube lumen.
- the retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the inflatable object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension measured transverse to the deflation tube lumen that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member.
- the expansion element has at least one contact surface (e.g., a surface extending transverse to an axis of the puncture member lumen) that contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object proximate to the hole formed in the wall of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity.
- a method for evacuating and removing a fluid-filled object positioned in a body cavity.
- the method includes positioning an aspirator device in the body cavity and piercing a wall of the fluid-filled object with the aspirator device that includes a tube with a lumen, e.g., the piercing results in a portion of the tube passing through the shell wall and providing access to the interior of the object via the lumen.
- the method continues with advancing a retrieval mechanism into the lumen of the aspirator tube.
- the retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that has a deployed configuration that is greater in size than the outer diameter of the aspirator tube, and the advancing includes extending the expansion element at least partially out of the lumen and into the pierced object. The expansion element then expands to its deployed configuration, and then the retrieval mechanism is withdrawn along with the aspirator device, which results in the expansion element contacting an inner surface of the object wall to cause the object to be removed from the body cavity along with the retrieval mechanism.
- the retrieval mechanism typically also includes a flexible deployment member (such as a wire, wire rope, flexible tube, or the like) that is attached to the expansion element.
- the expansion element may take a number of forms, and for example, it may be selected from: a T-bar, an object inflated during the expanding of the expansion element, a folding anchor device that unfolds to the deployed configuration, a spring element that returns to an at-rest position during the expanding of the expansion element, an elongate body with tabs attached at opposite ends, a tubular body with slits cut in a spaced-apart manner, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body and with a tensioning wire attached to an end of tubular body, and a funnel collapsible into a cylinder and expandable into a frustaconical shape in the deployed configuration.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cutaway view of an inflatable object retrieval system according to one embodiment that is useful for deflating and removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from the stomach or other cavity of a patient;
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate in more detail the “T-bar” retrieval mechanism shown in the system of FIG. 1 as it is being used to grasp and remove an object after deflation;
- FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate similarly to FIGS. 2A-2C a retrieval mechanism according to the invention in which the expansion or grasper portion or element itself is inflatable and may be used in object retrieval systems such as that shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4A and 4B is another retrieval mechanism according to the invention that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 and that utilizes a “folding anchor” type of expansion or grasper element;
- FIGS. 5A and 5B is yet another retrieval mechanism that may be used with the system of FIG. 1 and that includes an expansion or grasper element that is made up of a spring member that uncoils to its at rest configuration within the retrieved object;
- FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a retrieval mechanism with an expansion or grasper element similar to that shown in FIGS. 2A-2C that utilizes a plurality of tabs to engage the inner surface of an object being retrieved;
- FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates still another retrieval mechanism useful with the retrieval systems of the invention that includes yet another embodiment of an expansion or grasper element (e.g., an expandable tube tip) useful for grasping or engaging inner surfaces of a balloon or other inflatable/deflatable object; and
- an expansion or grasper element e.g., an expandable tube tip
- FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates a retrieval mechanism with a funnel-based expansion or grasper element.
- the present invention is directed to methods and systems for retrieving fluid-filled objects from stomachs or other cavities of patients.
- the following description describes particularly systems and their operations for deflating, engaging or grasping, and retrieving or removing intrastric balloons from the stomach of a patient, but the concepts are equally applicable to nearly any object or hollow shape that is inflatable with fluid.
- Intragastric balloon retrieval systems of the invention are described as being useful with standard endoscopes, gastroscopes or the like that include a working channel through which the retrieval system can be passed to a stomach of a patient.
- the retrieval systems include a device for puncturing the shell of the intragastric balloon and for inserting an end of a tube, or an outlet of a lumen in such tube, within the intragastric balloon.
- the lumen can be used to deflate or aspirate the contents of the balloon. Then, during balloon retrieval procedures, a retrieval mechanism of the invention is inserted through the lumen (or is passed further through the lumen in embodiments in which the mechanism remains in the lumen during deflation).
- each embodiment of the retrieval mechanisms of the invention includes an expansion or grasping element at or proximal to its distal end that is inserted through the lumen of the deflation tube so as to extend beyond the tip or end of the deflation tube (or beyond a needle, prong, or other component used to pierce the balloon shell).
- These expansion elements each are adapted to contact and engage the inner surface of the intragastric balloon as the retrieval mechanism and the deflation or aspiration tube is withdrawn from the stomach of the patient.
- each expansion member is capable of taking on a first profile or dimensions (deployment configuration or profile) smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the lumen such that it can pass through the deflation or aspiration tube.
- the expansion element expands to a second profile or dimensions (deployed or retrieval configuration or profile) substantially greater than the outer diameter of the needle and/or tube.
- This larger-sized profile or configuration and the contact surface(s) of the expansion element allow the expansion element to effectively contact or “grasp” the inner surface of the balloon adjacent to the hole that was previously formed in the balloon shell by the needle or puncture member of the retrieval mechanism.
- the “grasping” includes trapping or pinching balloon material near the formed hole between the contact surfaces of the expansion element and the outer surfaces of the needle or puncture member or deflation tube.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable/deflatable object removal system 110 of the invention that is particularly well suited for use when the object is an intragastric balloon.
- the object removal system 110 includes a single lumen tubing 120 that is configured with an outer wall 122 that has a diameter such that the tube 120 is small enough to pass through a working channel or lumen of an endoscope, gastroscope, or the like (not shown).
- the tube wall 122 defines a lumen 124 that extends from one to the other end of the tube 120 .
- a needle or puncture member 112 such as a hollow cannulated needle with a relatively sharp tip 114 , is provided, which may be an extension of the tube 120 or a separate component that is attached to the tube wall 122 .
- the puncture member 112 optionally has its lumen or hollow center coupled to the lumen 124 or other channel through the tube 120 such that fluid (not shown) can be aspirated from an object or balloon 104 that has its shell or wall 106 pierced by the tip 114 of the member 112 .
- the fluid contained by the inner surfaces 108 of the balloon wall 106 may be allowed to flow into the stomach or cavity of a patient, but often it is desirable to aspirate or evacuate the fluid via the tube 120 .
- the insertion of the needle member 112 results in the lumen 124 provided in the tube 120 being exposed to the interior space of the balloon 104 defined by the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 (e.g., via the needle member 112 depending upon how deep the tube 120 is inserted into the balloon 104 ).
- a connector 126 (e.g., a luer connector or the like) is provided with a tube connector that is also hollow or has an internal channel 129 at the proximal end of the removal system 110 .
- the connector 126 can be connected to a suction mechanism to apply suction and evacuate fluid from the balloon 104 via needle 112 and lumen 124 of tube 120 .
- system 110 is shown with the single lumen tube 120 and a particular connector and puncture arrangement, these components can be varied significantly to practice the invention such as with a dual lumen tube, a different connector, and a differing needle or piercing device, with an important feature of the aspirator portion being the ability to pierce the wall 106 and position a lumen port, opening, or end within the balloon 104 to provide access to the inner surface 108 of the wall 106 .
- the system 110 includes a retrieval mechanism (which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-2C ).
- the retrieval mechanism includes a deployment member 132 that may be a wire, a twisted wire rope, a flexible rod, a tube, or other component that is adapted for being pushed and pulled through the lumen 124 of the tube 120 .
- the retrieval mechanism includes a handle 138 attached to the proximal end of the member 132 and an expansion element made up of a bar (or T-bar) 134 attached with connector 136 (such as a pin, solder or other connection).
- the handle 138 is used by an operator (such as doctor, surgeon, or other medical technician) to push the wire or member 132 until the distal end of the wire or member 132 and the bar 134 passes the tip 114 of the needle 112 and is positioned within the balloon 104 .
- the expansion element is able to expand or convert from a first, smaller profile or configuration to a second, larger profile or configuration (e.g., a first profile with dimensions that allow the bar and wire 134 and 132 to fit within the lumen 124 and a second profile with dimensions that are larger than the tip 114 used to pierce the balloon wall 106 ).
- the expansion or conversion element is an important feature of the invention and system 110 , the following figures and discussion emphasize a number of embodiments of retrieval mechanisms with varying expansion or conversion elements, with the tube 120 and other features of the system 110 being useful in combination with any of the retrieval mechanisms (and, as discussed earlier, the retrieval mechanisms being useful with removal systems other than that shown in FIG. 1 ).
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate one embodiment of a retrieval mechanism 230 that may be used in a removal system, such as system 110 of FIG. 1 .
- a deflation or aspiration tube 220 with a wall 222 defines a lumen 224 (such as a lumen with a circular or other shaped cross section).
- a puncture or needle member 212 that is affixed to the tube wall 222 such as by threading and/or adhesive or the like.
- the tubing 220 and member 212 may be made of a number of materials to practice the invention such as flexible plastic or elastomer, e.g., PTFE, ETFE, or PDVF.
- the deploying or first profile or configuration of the retrieval mechanism 230 is selected to be less than the diameter of the lumen to allow its deployment into the balloon interior.
- the specific dimensions are not limiting with the more important aspect being the relative dimensions.
- the puncture member 212 is shown after it has been used to pierce the balloon 104 by making a hole in the wall 106 . As shown, the outlet or tip 216 of the member 212 is within the balloon 104 such that the lumen or channel 214 of the member 212 is within the balloon 104 .
- the retrieval mechanism 230 is being deployed as shown at arrow 231 through the lumen 224 into the interior of the balloon 104 .
- the retrieval mechanism 230 includes a deployment member 232 (e.g., a wire, wire rope, flexible rod, or the like made of metal or other materials), which is connected to a handle (not shown).
- An expansion element 225 is attached with connector 226 to the end of the deployment member 232 .
- the expansion element 225 can be thought of as a T-bar and includes an elongate body of a width, W, with two opposing ends 228 , 229 (shown curved in this embodiment but may take other shapes to practice the invention).
- the width, W, of the expansion element 225 is less than the lumen 224 and channel 214 in the puncture member 212 .
- the expansion element 225 is collapsible onto the wire or deployment member 232 while it is being deployed through the lumen 224 of the tube 220 .
- the bar or body of the expansion element 225 may be aligned with the wire 232 to fit into the tubing 220 , and when emerging from the tubing 220 end 212 resumes a perpendicular orientation.
- FIG. 2B illustrates the expansion element 225 in its deployed profile or configuration in which its body is perpendicular to (or at least no longer aligned with) wire 232 .
- the expansion element 225 swings down as shown with arrow 240 to the deployed or second larger profile.
- the larger or second profile results in the body or expansion element 225 having a length, L, that is larger than the outer diameter of the puncture element 212 , and the length, L, is typically significantly larger than this diameter (e.g., 2 to 6 or more times larger than this diameter) with the upper limitation being that the length of the extension element 225 as measured along the elongate body from end 228 to end 229 is less than the inner diameter of the channel through which the tube 220 and balloon 104 be removed, e.g., less than a patient's esophagus inner diameter such as less than about 0.75 inches).
- the element 225 is longer than the hole formed in the balloon wall 104 .
- the extension element 225 has a contact or grasping surface 227 .
- the contact surface 227 of the expansion element 225 contacts (engages or grasps) the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 .
- This grasping or contact by the expansion element 225 is shown in FIG. 2C .
- the tube 220 of the removal system is pulled or withdrawn as shown at arrows 246 to remove the balloon 104 along with the tube 220 and retrieval mechanism 230 .
- the expansion element 225 is effective for grasping the balloon 104 by contacting the inner surface 108 , and the balloon shell 106 can be pulled out of its environment (e.g., a stomach or other patient cavity) draped over the T-bar or elongate body of the expansion element 225 .
- FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate another embodiment of a retrieval mechanism 330 being deployed into a balloon 104 that has been pierced by tube 220 and puncture member 212 (with similar components shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C not being described in detail).
- the mechanism 330 can be thought of as using a balloon grasper to grasp the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 .
- the retrieval mechanism 330 includes a tube of smaller diameter than the tube 220 , and this tube is advanced as shown in FIG. 3A at arrow 331 through the lumen 224 .
- a small balloon or inflatable expansion element 336 is provided in the lumen 334 of smaller tube 332 .
- the expansion element 336 is attached at or near the end 338 of the tube 332 .
- the expansion element 336 includes a wall or shell 337 and an inner surface 339 .
- air or other fluid 344 is forced through the lumen 334 of tube (or deployment member) 332 to force the element 336 out of the tube 332 and to apply pressure against inner surface 339 of wall 337 and inflate the expansion element 336 as shown with arrows 348 .
- the inflation of element 336 may be controlled by achieving a predetermined pressure in the lumen 334 and element 336 or by inserting a predetermined volume of gas or fluid 344 .
- the expansion element 336 is shown inflated to a second configuration or profile and an outer diameter, D, that is greater than the outer diameter of the puncture member 212 (and hole in wall 106 ), e.g., 10 times larger or the like.
- the outer surfaces of the wall 337 e.g., contact surfaces of the expansion element 336 ) abut or engage the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 when the tube 332 is withdrawn into the deployment tube 220 until the expansion element 336 hits or is adjacent to the tip 216 of the puncture member 212 .
- the tube 220 can then be withdrawn to remove the deflated intragastric balloon 104 with the balloon shell 106 draped over the expansion element 336 .
- the diameter, D is selected to be larger than the outer diameter of the member 212 and smaller than the channel through which the tube 220 is removed from a patient's body, such as less than about 0.75 inches when the channel is a patient's esophagus.
- the wall 337 of the expansion element 336 may be formed from many elastic materials such as rubber or the like, and in some cases, the contact surface or outer surface of wall 337 is rough (or roughened) to improve the “grasping” of inner surface 108 of balloon 104 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a retrieval mechanism 430 that includes an expansion element that can be thought of as a “folding anchor.”
- FIG. 4A illustrates the expansion element in the first or deploying profile or configuration in which it has dimensions that are less than or equal to the inner diameter of the lumen 224 of tube 220 .
- the expansion element includes a connector 434 attached to the end of deploying member 433 .
- the connector 434 may be a circular disk or plate that and the member 433 may be a wire, a wire rope, or other flexible component.
- the expansion element further includes a number of anchor legs 432 (such as 3 or more) that are elongate bodies with two ends 436 , 439 and a contact surface 438 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates how the legs 432 expand out or unfold/deploy when the expansion element is positioned beyond the tip 216 of puncture member 212 within the interior volume of the balloon 104 defined by shell 106 .
- the legs are pivotally attached at ends 439 to the connector 434 .
- the legs and connector are formed such that the deployed or second profile shown in FIG. 4B is an “at rest” configuration (such as by forming the anchor expansion element as a single piece) and the unfolding is the result of the legs returning to their at rest position.
- the legs “fall” or pivot from their first configuration shown in FIG. 4A proximate to the deployment member 433 to the deployed or expanded, second configuration shown in FIG. 4B .
- the expansion element of retrieval mechanism 430 has a “diameter” (or width), D, that is measured from the outer tip 436 of one leg 432 to an outer tip of an opposing leg.
- This diameter, D again is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 220 and/or puncture member 212 (e.g., such as 2 to 10 times or more larger) and less than a predetermined maximum value to allow removal from a patient.
- the deployment member 433 is pulled back into the tube lumen 224 until the contact surface 438 of the legs 432 contacts the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 when the connector abuts or is proximate to the tip 216 of member 212 . Then, the tube 220 and deployment member 433 are withdrawn or pulled from the patient to retrieve the deflated balloon 104 .
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate yet another retrieval mechanism 530 useful in object removal systems of the invention.
- the aspirator tube 220 is again placed within the hollow shape or shell 106 of the object or balloon 104 .
- the retrieval mechanism 530 is then advanced down the lumen 224 into the balloon 104 .
- the retrieval mechanism 530 includes a deployment member (e.g., a wire or the like) 534 that is connected at a first end 538 to an expansion element 536 .
- the other distal end 539 of the expansion element 536 is fed into the balloon 104 .
- This embodiment of the retrieval mechanism 530 can be thought of as a “spring” embodiment as the expansion element 536 may be made up of a length of spring, a spring coil, spring wire, or the like that can be “straightened” into a first profile or configuration for feeding through the tube lumen 224 and then, when in an unrestricted space such as the interior space of the balloon shell 106 , the expansion element spring 536 returns to its at rest or second profile or configuration.
- the unrestricted or at rest configuration of the expansion element 536 can be defined as having an outer dimension, D (even if not a true circle or sphere) that is larger than the outer diameter of the puncture member 212 and/or tube 220 as shown in FIG. 5B (e.g., 2 to 10 or more times larger).
- D outer dimension
- the wire or deployment member 534 is withdrawn or pulled back up the lumen 224 of the tube 220 until the first or proximal end 538 of the expansion element 536 contacts or is pulled within the lumen 214 of the puncture member 212 .
- the unrestricted spring which has resumed its natural or at rest state of a coil, spiral, or other non-linear shape, may compress somewhat but is selected to have a stiffness (or resistance to leaving its at rest state) that allows it to contact the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 and grasp the balloon 104 .
- the expansion element 536 shown in FIG. 5B is selected such that forces applied by the deflated balloon inner surface 108 (“retraction forces”) do not compress the element 536 to a point where its dimension, D, is less than the outer diameter of the member 212 .
- the expansion element 536 is able to “grasp” or engage the inner surfaces 108 when the tube 220 is withdrawn from the hole in the wall 104 , and the balloon shell 106 can be pulled out of its environment draped over the spring element 536 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B show another retrieval mechanism 630 with a “tab-based” expansion element.
- the tab expansion element is fed through the lumen 224 of the aspiration tube 220 with wire or deployment member 632 .
- the member 632 is attached to the body 634 of the expansion element, and the body 634 can be aligned with the member 632 in a first, smaller profile or configuration of the expansion element.
- the elongated body 634 may be a relatively stiff or rigid tube or wire.
- On each opposite end of the body 634 is attached a tab or grasping member 638 , 639 .
- Each of these tabs 638 , 639 may have a variety of shapes and be made of a variety of materials to practice the invention.
- the tabs 638 , 639 are relatively planar and have a circular shape. In other cases, the tabs 638 , 639 may be more spherical or hemispherical in shape or range toward planar but with a different shape such as square, rectangular, triangular, hyperbolic, or the like.
- the materials used for the body 634 and tabs 638 , 639 may be the same (such as when these components are stamped out or formed as a unitary piece), may be selected for easy joining (such as soldering or the like), or may be different.
- body 634 of the expansion element “expands” by swinging out of alignment with the wire 632 , such as to a perpendicular or transverse position relative to the wire 632 .
- This expanded or second, larger profile or configuration of the expansion element results in the expansion element having a dimension or width, D, that is larger than the outer diameter of the puncture element 212 and tube wall 222 (e.g., 2 to 8 time or more larger with the ratio of 5:1 being used in some embodiments).
- D dimension or width
- the tabs 638 , 639 extend outward from the puncture member 212 .
- contact surfaces of the tabs 638 , 639 contact or “grasp” the inner surfaces of the balloon shell 106 .
- the contact surfaces of each tab 638 , 639 are typically about the size of or less than the inner diameter of the tube lumen 224 or lumen 214 of the puncture element 212 , whichever is less, to allow the tabs 638 , 639 to be passed through the tube 220 and member 212 into the balloon 104 .
- the balloon shell 104 can then be pulled out of its environment draped over the shaped extensions 638 , 639 of the expansion element of the retrieval mechanism 630 .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate still another retrieval mechanism 730 useful with object removal systems of the invention.
- the expansion element 733 of the retrieval mechanism 730 can be though of as an expandable tube retriever or grasper.
- the retrieval mechanism 730 includes a hollow tube 732 of flexible plastic or elastomeric materials with an outer diameter less than the inner diameters of aspiration tube 220 and puncture member 212 .
- the tube 732 can be passed or advanced as shown at arrow 731 in a deflated balloon 104 .
- This movement causes the expansion element 733 with the slits 734 to buckle and expand from the first small profile to a second profile (e.g., a cruciform shape or the like) with a width, W, that is larger than the outer diameter of the puncture member 212 and tube wall 222 (e.g., 2 to 5 or more times larger with a minimum ratio of 3.5:1 being used in some cases).
- the outer surfaces of the expansion element 733 then provide contact surfaces that contact the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 when the retrieval mechanism 730 is pulled by wire 735 such that the expanded tip 733 abuts the puncture element 212 and the tube 220 is withdrawn as shown at 752 .
- FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate a retrieval mechanism 830 that makes use of a funnel expansion element 834 .
- the retrieval mechanism 830 includes a feed or deployment wire 832 that is used to deploy as shown at arrow 831 the expansion element 834 , which is attached to the wire 832 , through the lumen 224 of the aspiration tube 220 .
- the funnel expansion element 834 expands outward from its first profile that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 220 and puncture member 212 to its second profile with a width (or diameter), W, that is larger than the outer dimensions of the tube 220 and member 212 .
- the expansion element 834 may include a circular plate 835 that is attached to the wire 832 and an expandable/retractable wall 836 .
- the wall 836 may take a number of forms, and in one embodiment, is made of a plurality of vanes or ribs (such as elongate metal plates) that are wrapped about the wire 832 . In this case, the wall 836 expands outward to width, W, and exposes interior surfaces 838 of the wall 836 .
- the tube 220 is withdrawn from the balloon such that the wire 832 of the retrieval mechanism 830 extends through the hole 856 in the balloon wall 106 and the expansion element 834 remains in the balloon 104 (e.g., the tube 220 is withdrawn initially without withdrawing or tensioning the wire 832 ). Then, as shown by arrow 862 in FIG. 8D , tension is applied to the wire 832 of the retrieval mechanism 830 such that the funnel expansion element 834 moves toward the puncture member 212 and tube 220 .
- the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 is contacted by the upper edge of the wall 836 such that a portion of the balloon wall 106 is pinched or sandwiched between the inner surface 838 of the wall 836 of the expansion element 834 and the outer surfaces of the puncture member 212 and/or tube wall 222 .
- the shape of the wall 836 in the expanded or second configuration is selected to correspond to the conical shape of the exterior surfaces of the tip or puncture member 212 or end of tubing 220 .
- the balloon wall 106 is captured between the funnel expansion element 834 and the cone tip 212 with some force.
- the balloon shell 104 can then be pulled out of its environment by applying tension to the tube 220 and the wire 832 of the retrieval mechanism 830 .
- the body or bar 225 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C may include a groove along one side for receiving the wire 232 when the expansion element is placed in the first profile for deploying through the aspiration tube.
- the T-bar 225 can be attached by a loop at the end of the wire rather than being attached to the end of the wire 232 .
- the anchor legs 432 may have a curved (or concave) shape to increase their strength and the outer ends or tips 436 may be textured or include small prongs or the like for enhanced grabbing of the inner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 .
- the tube expansion element 733 of FIGS. 7A and 7B can be “locked” in the expanded position, such as, for example, by providing a slot or recessed latching surface in the inner lumen walls of the tube 732 .
- a bead or ball or other shape may be attached to the wire 735 within the tip 733 (such as proximal to the plate 736 ). When the bead or ball is pulled to the slot or recessed latching surface within the tip 733 , the expansion element 733 becomes latched or locked in the cruciform or expanded profile.
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Abstract
Description
- This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,665, filed on Jun. 9, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this specific reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates, in general, to the use of an intragastric balloon and similar fluid-filled objects in treating obesity, and more particularly, to the devices and systems for endoscopical deflating and removing or retrieving such intragastric balloons and/or other fluid-filled objects from the stomachs of patients.
- 2. Relevant Background
- Intragastric balloons, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,061 or other balloons and objects commercially available, are designed for providing short-term therapy for moderately obese individuals who need to shed pounds in preparation for surgery or as part of a dietary and behavioral modification program. A challenge with such balloons or fluid-filled objects is their removal after completion of therapy.
- A typical intragastric balloon is a made of a silicone elastomer shell that is inserted into the stomach of a patient and then filled with fluid. For example, commercially available intragastric balloons are filled with saline solution or air but other fluids may be used in some situations. The intragastric balloon functions by partially filling the stomach, which enhances appetite control. Placement and filling of the intragastric balloon is completed non-surgically with a surgeon or doctor using an endoscope, gastroscope, or other device that is adapted for viewing internal cavities of a patient and with lumen or hollow channels for passing the retrieval instruments. Placement of intragastric balloons is temporary, and intragastric balloons are typically removed after six to twelve months.
- Historically, endoscopic deflation and extraction of intragastric balloons has been an arduous task due to the difficulty associated with manipulating the balloon within the stomach. One method of removing the balloon involves several steps, each with its own tool. A sharp-ended puncture device, sometimes called a “killer,” is inserted through the working channel of an endoscope to puncture the balloon. The puncture device is then removed, and the saline solution is either allowed to enter the stomach cavity, or removed via an aspiration tube inserted through the working channel and into the balloon. Finally, a grasping device or “grasper” having prongs, teeth, or a wire loop is inserted through the working channel to snag or snare the outside surfaces of the balloon. Once the outside of the balloon is hooked or grasped, the grasping device is used to pull the balloon through the esophagus as the gastroscope is removed. Other tools have been developed that provide a single tool that can pierce the balloon's shell, evacuate the fluid to deflate the balloon, and grasp or hook the outer surfaces of the balloon.
- Even with these efforts, the retrieval of untethered intragastric balloons or other fluid-filled objects from a patient's stomach continues to present problems and can be a difficult task. The outer surface of the balloons is coated with gastric fluids in the stomach and tends to be very slippery or slick, which makes it difficult for even a relatively sharp grasper tool to grasp the balloon. One technique for addressing this issue is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,061 and includes providing a retrieval tab on the outer surface of the balloon. A tool with a hook, loop, or snare then has to be latched onto the tab to allow retrieval. This technique has not been widely adopted as it requires specially manufactured balloons or objects with the external tab and also requires that the balloon be manipulated within the patient's stomach to find and align the tab with the hook on the removal tool, and this is often difficult to perform endoscopically (e.g., with limited tool dexterity and in limited visibility and light provided by the endoscope).
- Therefore, it is desirable to provide an endoscopic device for removing an intragastric balloon in which the above mentioned disadvantages are substantially overcome.
- Hence, there remains a need for an improved tool for supporting deflation and retrieval of intragastric balloons and other fluid-filled objects from the stomach of patients. Preferably, such a tool would be useful with existing medical systems or tools such as endoscopes and would provide quicker and more effective grasping or capture of the balloon or object to better support out-patient procedures.
- The present invention addresses the above problems by providing a system and method for removing fluid-filled objects, such as intragastric balloons, from a body cavity of a patient. In contrast to prior devices that grasp the outer surfaces of an object, the removal system of the present invention includes a retrieval mechanism that can be inserted within the object via a lumen of the device used to deflate or aspirate the object contents (e.g., an aspirator tube or the like). The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that can be compressed or provided in a first configuration that allows it to readily pass through the deflation tube lumen but that expands to a second or deployed configuration when it is positioned within the unrestricted space within the interior of deflated object to be removed. The second or deployed configuration of the expansion element is typically significantly larger than the outer dimensions of the deflation tube, and as a result, surfaces of the expansion element contact the inner surfaces of the object when the retrieval mechanism is withdrawn from the body cavity, thereby capturing and removing the object. The expansion element may take numerous forms, as discussed in detail herein, such as, but not limited to, a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, a spring retriever, an elongate body with tabbed ends, an expandable tubular body, and a rollable or collapsible cone.
- More particularly, an apparatus is provided for removing an inflatable object from a body cavity of a patient. The apparatus includes an aspiration or deflation tube with a lumen and a puncture member, such as a hollow needle, at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the wall of the inflatable object. The puncture member includes a lumen that is in fluid communication or is fluidly coupled with the deflation tube lumen. The apparatus further includes a retrieval mechanism that can be slid within the deflation tube lumen. Significantly, the retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the inflatable object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension measured transverse to the deflation tube lumen that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. In this second or deployed configuration, the expansion element has at least one contact surface (e.g., a surface extending transverse to an axis of the puncture member lumen) that contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object proximate to the hole formed in the wall of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for evacuating and removing a fluid-filled object positioned in a body cavity. The method includes positioning an aspirator device in the body cavity and piercing a wall of the fluid-filled object with the aspirator device that includes a tube with a lumen, e.g., the piercing results in a portion of the tube passing through the shell wall and providing access to the interior of the object via the lumen. The method continues with advancing a retrieval mechanism into the lumen of the aspirator tube. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that has a deployed configuration that is greater in size than the outer diameter of the aspirator tube, and the advancing includes extending the expansion element at least partially out of the lumen and into the pierced object. The expansion element then expands to its deployed configuration, and then the retrieval mechanism is withdrawn along with the aspirator device, which results in the expansion element contacting an inner surface of the object wall to cause the object to be removed from the body cavity along with the retrieval mechanism.
- The retrieval mechanism typically also includes a flexible deployment member (such as a wire, wire rope, flexible tube, or the like) that is attached to the expansion element. The expansion element may take a number of forms, and for example, it may be selected from: a T-bar, an object inflated during the expanding of the expansion element, a folding anchor device that unfolds to the deployed configuration, a spring element that returns to an at-rest position during the expanding of the expansion element, an elongate body with tabs attached at opposite ends, a tubular body with slits cut in a spaced-apart manner, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body and with a tensioning wire attached to an end of tubular body, and a funnel collapsible into a cylinder and expandable into a frustaconical shape in the deployed configuration.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cutaway view of an inflatable object retrieval system according to one embodiment that is useful for deflating and removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from the stomach or other cavity of a patient; -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate in more detail the “T-bar” retrieval mechanism shown in the system ofFIG. 1 as it is being used to grasp and remove an object after deflation; -
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate similarly toFIGS. 2A-2C a retrieval mechanism according to the invention in which the expansion or grasper portion or element itself is inflatable and may be used in object retrieval systems such as that shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B is another retrieval mechanism according to the invention that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 and that utilizes a “folding anchor” type of expansion or grasper element; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B is yet another retrieval mechanism that may be used with the system ofFIG. 1 and that includes an expansion or grasper element that is made up of a spring member that uncoils to its at rest configuration within the retrieved object; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a retrieval mechanism with an expansion or grasper element similar to that shown inFIGS. 2A-2C that utilizes a plurality of tabs to engage the inner surface of an object being retrieved; -
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates still another retrieval mechanism useful with the retrieval systems of the invention that includes yet another embodiment of an expansion or grasper element (e.g., an expandable tube tip) useful for grasping or engaging inner surfaces of a balloon or other inflatable/deflatable object; and -
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates a retrieval mechanism with a funnel-based expansion or grasper element. - The present invention is directed to methods and systems for retrieving fluid-filled objects from stomachs or other cavities of patients. The following description describes particularly systems and their operations for deflating, engaging or grasping, and retrieving or removing intrastric balloons from the stomach of a patient, but the concepts are equally applicable to nearly any object or hollow shape that is inflatable with fluid. Intragastric balloon retrieval systems of the invention are described as being useful with standard endoscopes, gastroscopes or the like that include a working channel through which the retrieval system can be passed to a stomach of a patient. Further, in a typical embodiment, the retrieval systems include a device for puncturing the shell of the intragastric balloon and for inserting an end of a tube, or an outlet of a lumen in such tube, within the intragastric balloon. The lumen can be used to deflate or aspirate the contents of the balloon. Then, during balloon retrieval procedures, a retrieval mechanism of the invention is inserted through the lumen (or is passed further through the lumen in embodiments in which the mechanism remains in the lumen during deflation).
- Significantly, each embodiment of the retrieval mechanisms of the invention includes an expansion or grasping element at or proximal to its distal end that is inserted through the lumen of the deflation tube so as to extend beyond the tip or end of the deflation tube (or beyond a needle, prong, or other component used to pierce the balloon shell). These expansion elements each are adapted to contact and engage the inner surface of the intragastric balloon as the retrieval mechanism and the deflation or aspiration tube is withdrawn from the stomach of the patient. Typically, each expansion member is capable of taking on a first profile or dimensions (deployment configuration or profile) smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the lumen such that it can pass through the deflation or aspiration tube. When in the open or unrestricted space within the intragastric balloon, the expansion element expands to a second profile or dimensions (deployed or retrieval configuration or profile) substantially greater than the outer diameter of the needle and/or tube.
- This larger-sized profile or configuration and the contact surface(s) of the expansion element allow the expansion element to effectively contact or “grasp” the inner surface of the balloon adjacent to the hole that was previously formed in the balloon shell by the needle or puncture member of the retrieval mechanism. In some cases, the “grasping” includes trapping or pinching balloon material near the formed hole between the contact surfaces of the expansion element and the outer surfaces of the needle or puncture member or deflation tube. These and other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of the retrieval systems of the invention and the multiple embodiments of retrieval mechanisms useful in such systems to contact the inner surface of intragastric balloons so as to grasp or capture the balloons for efficient retrieval from a patient.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable/deflatableobject removal system 110 of the invention that is particularly well suited for use when the object is an intragastric balloon. Theobject removal system 110 includes asingle lumen tubing 120 that is configured with anouter wall 122 that has a diameter such that thetube 120 is small enough to pass through a working channel or lumen of an endoscope, gastroscope, or the like (not shown). Thetube wall 122 defines alumen 124 that extends from one to the other end of thetube 120. At the distal end, a needle orpuncture member 112, such as a hollow cannulated needle with a relativelysharp tip 114, is provided, which may be an extension of thetube 120 or a separate component that is attached to thetube wall 122. Thepuncture member 112 optionally has its lumen or hollow center coupled to thelumen 124 or other channel through thetube 120 such that fluid (not shown) can be aspirated from an object orballoon 104 that has its shell orwall 106 pierced by thetip 114 of themember 112. - During deflation operations, the fluid contained by the
inner surfaces 108 of theballoon wall 106 may be allowed to flow into the stomach or cavity of a patient, but often it is desirable to aspirate or evacuate the fluid via thetube 120. In this regard, the insertion of theneedle member 112 results in thelumen 124 provided in thetube 120 being exposed to the interior space of theballoon 104 defined by theinner surface 108 of the balloon wall 106 (e.g., via theneedle member 112 depending upon how deep thetube 120 is inserted into the balloon 104). To facilitate insertion and later deflation of theballoon 104, a connector 126 (e.g., a luer connector or the like) is provided with a tube connector that is also hollow or has aninternal channel 129 at the proximal end of theremoval system 110. After thetube 120 is positioned in a patient and thetip 114 has pierced aballoon 104, theconnector 126 can be connected to a suction mechanism to apply suction and evacuate fluid from theballoon 104 vianeedle 112 andlumen 124 oftube 120. While thesystem 110 is shown with thesingle lumen tube 120 and a particular connector and puncture arrangement, these components can be varied significantly to practice the invention such as with a dual lumen tube, a different connector, and a differing needle or piercing device, with an important feature of the aspirator portion being the ability to pierce thewall 106 and position a lumen port, opening, or end within theballoon 104 to provide access to theinner surface 108 of thewall 106. - A significant feature of the
system 110 is the improved ability of thesystem 110 for grasping and retrieving the deflatedballoon 104. To this end, thesystem 110 includes a retrieval mechanism (which is shown in more detail inFIGS. 2A-2C ). The retrieval mechanism includes adeployment member 132 that may be a wire, a twisted wire rope, a flexible rod, a tube, or other component that is adapted for being pushed and pulled through thelumen 124 of thetube 120. As shown, the retrieval mechanism includes ahandle 138 attached to the proximal end of themember 132 and an expansion element made up of a bar (or T-bar) 134 attached with connector 136 (such as a pin, solder or other connection). Thehandle 138 is used by an operator (such as doctor, surgeon, or other medical technician) to push the wire ormember 132 until the distal end of the wire ormember 132 and thebar 134 passes thetip 114 of theneedle 112 and is positioned within theballoon 104. At this point (i.e., the deployed or fully deployed position), the expansion element is able to expand or convert from a first, smaller profile or configuration to a second, larger profile or configuration (e.g., a first profile with dimensions that allow the bar andwire lumen 124 and a second profile with dimensions that are larger than thetip 114 used to pierce the balloon wall 106). Because the expansion or conversion element is an important feature of the invention andsystem 110, the following figures and discussion emphasize a number of embodiments of retrieval mechanisms with varying expansion or conversion elements, with thetube 120 and other features of thesystem 110 being useful in combination with any of the retrieval mechanisms (and, as discussed earlier, the retrieval mechanisms being useful with removal systems other than that shown inFIG. 1 ). -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate one embodiment of aretrieval mechanism 230 that may be used in a removal system, such assystem 110 ofFIG. 1 . As shown, a deflation oraspiration tube 220 with awall 222 defines a lumen 224 (such as a lumen with a circular or other shaped cross section). At the end of thetube 220 is a puncture orneedle member 212 that is affixed to thetube wall 222 such as by threading and/or adhesive or the like. Thetubing 220 andmember 212 may be made of a number of materials to practice the invention such as flexible plastic or elastomer, e.g., PTFE, ETFE, or PDVF. With its outer dimensions being selected to be less than the inner diameter of an endoscope working channel, such as less than about 0.1 inches, this results in a lumen outer diameter less than this dimension, such as 0.08 inches, 0.05 inches, or less. The deploying or first profile or configuration of theretrieval mechanism 230 is selected to be less than the diameter of the lumen to allow its deployment into the balloon interior. Clearly, the specific dimensions are not limiting with the more important aspect being the relative dimensions. - The
puncture member 212 is shown after it has been used to pierce theballoon 104 by making a hole in thewall 106. As shown, the outlet or tip 216 of themember 212 is within theballoon 104 such that the lumen orchannel 214 of themember 212 is within theballoon 104. InFIG. 2A , theretrieval mechanism 230 is being deployed as shown atarrow 231 through thelumen 224 into the interior of theballoon 104. Theretrieval mechanism 230 includes a deployment member 232 (e.g., a wire, wire rope, flexible rod, or the like made of metal or other materials), which is connected to a handle (not shown). Anexpansion element 225 is attached withconnector 226 to the end of thedeployment member 232. Theexpansion element 225 can be thought of as a T-bar and includes an elongate body of a width, W, with two opposingends 228, 229 (shown curved in this embodiment but may take other shapes to practice the invention). The width, W, of theexpansion element 225 is less than thelumen 224 andchannel 214 in thepuncture member 212. As shown, theexpansion element 225 is collapsible onto the wire ordeployment member 232 while it is being deployed through thelumen 224 of thetube 220. In other words, the bar or body of theexpansion element 225 may be aligned with thewire 232 to fit into thetubing 220, and when emerging from thetubing 220end 212 resumes a perpendicular orientation. -
FIG. 2B illustrates theexpansion element 225 in its deployed profile or configuration in which its body is perpendicular to (or at least no longer aligned with)wire 232. Theexpansion element 225 swings down as shown witharrow 240 to the deployed or second larger profile. The larger or second profile results in the body orexpansion element 225 having a length, L, that is larger than the outer diameter of thepuncture element 212, and the length, L, is typically significantly larger than this diameter (e.g., 2 to 6 or more times larger than this diameter) with the upper limitation being that the length of theextension element 225 as measured along the elongate body fromend 228 to end 229 is less than the inner diameter of the channel through which thetube 220 andballoon 104 be removed, e.g., less than a patient's esophagus inner diameter such as less than about 0.75 inches). With this profile, theelement 225 is longer than the hole formed in theballoon wall 104. - As shown, the
extension element 225 has a contact or graspingsurface 227. When theretrieval mechanism 230 is withdrawn or pulled back toward thetube 220 as shown atarrow 242, thecontact surface 227 of theexpansion element 225 contacts (engages or grasps) theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106. This grasping or contact by theexpansion element 225 is shown inFIG. 2C . As shown, once the wire ordeployment member 232 is pulled or withdrawn until thecontact surface 227 abuts the tip or end 216 of the puncture member 212 (or pinches balloon wall 106), thetube 220 of the removal system is pulled or withdrawn as shown atarrows 246 to remove theballoon 104 along with thetube 220 andretrieval mechanism 230. Theexpansion element 225 is effective for grasping theballoon 104 by contacting theinner surface 108, and theballoon shell 106 can be pulled out of its environment (e.g., a stomach or other patient cavity) draped over the T-bar or elongate body of theexpansion element 225. -
FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate another embodiment of aretrieval mechanism 330 being deployed into aballoon 104 that has been pierced bytube 220 and puncture member 212 (with similar components shown inFIGS. 2A to 2C not being described in detail). Themechanism 330 can be thought of as using a balloon grasper to grasp theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106. Specifically, theretrieval mechanism 330 includes a tube of smaller diameter than thetube 220, and this tube is advanced as shown inFIG. 3A atarrow 331 through thelumen 224. At the end of thetube 332, a small balloon orinflatable expansion element 336 is provided in thelumen 334 ofsmaller tube 332. Theexpansion element 336 is attached at or near theend 338 of thetube 332. - As shown in
FIG. 3B , theexpansion element 336 includes a wall orshell 337 and aninner surface 339. When the expansion element 336 (or end 338 of tube 332) is positioned within the balloon 104 (or past the hole in wall 106), air orother fluid 344 is forced through thelumen 334 of tube (or deployment member) 332 to force theelement 336 out of thetube 332 and to apply pressure againstinner surface 339 ofwall 337 and inflate theexpansion element 336 as shown witharrows 348. The inflation ofelement 336 may be controlled by achieving a predetermined pressure in thelumen 334 andelement 336 or by inserting a predetermined volume of gas orfluid 344. AtFIG. 3C , theexpansion element 336 is shown inflated to a second configuration or profile and an outer diameter, D, that is greater than the outer diameter of the puncture member 212 (and hole in wall 106), e.g., 10 times larger or the like. The outer surfaces of the wall 337 (e.g., contact surfaces of the expansion element 336) abut or engage theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106 when thetube 332 is withdrawn into thedeployment tube 220 until theexpansion element 336 hits or is adjacent to thetip 216 of thepuncture member 212. Thetube 220 can then be withdrawn to remove the deflatedintragastric balloon 104 with theballoon shell 106 draped over theexpansion element 336. Again the diameter, D, is selected to be larger than the outer diameter of themember 212 and smaller than the channel through which thetube 220 is removed from a patient's body, such as less than about 0.75 inches when the channel is a patient's esophagus. Thewall 337 of theexpansion element 336 may be formed from many elastic materials such as rubber or the like, and in some cases, the contact surface or outer surface ofwall 337 is rough (or roughened) to improve the “grasping” ofinner surface 108 ofballoon 104. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of aretrieval mechanism 430 that includes an expansion element that can be thought of as a “folding anchor.”FIG. 4A illustrates the expansion element in the first or deploying profile or configuration in which it has dimensions that are less than or equal to the inner diameter of thelumen 224 oftube 220. The expansion element includes aconnector 434 attached to the end of deployingmember 433. Theconnector 434 may be a circular disk or plate that and themember 433 may be a wire, a wire rope, or other flexible component. The expansion element further includes a number of anchor legs 432 (such as 3 or more) that are elongate bodies with twoends contact surface 438. -
FIG. 4B illustrates how thelegs 432 expand out or unfold/deploy when the expansion element is positioned beyond thetip 216 ofpuncture member 212 within the interior volume of theballoon 104 defined byshell 106. To this end, the legs are pivotally attached at ends 439 to theconnector 434. In some embodiments, the legs and connector are formed such that the deployed or second profile shown inFIG. 4B is an “at rest” configuration (such as by forming the anchor expansion element as a single piece) and the unfolding is the result of the legs returning to their at rest position. As shown, though, the legs “fall” or pivot from their first configuration shown inFIG. 4A proximate to thedeployment member 433 to the deployed or expanded, second configuration shown inFIG. 4B . In the fully deployed position ofFIG. 4B , the expansion element ofretrieval mechanism 430 has a “diameter” (or width), D, that is measured from theouter tip 436 of oneleg 432 to an outer tip of an opposing leg. This diameter, D, again is significantly larger than the outer diameter of thetube 220 and/or puncture member 212 (e.g., such as 2 to 10 times or more larger) and less than a predetermined maximum value to allow removal from a patient. Then, as shown atarrow 450, thedeployment member 433 is pulled back into thetube lumen 224 until thecontact surface 438 of thelegs 432 contacts theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106 when the connector abuts or is proximate to thetip 216 ofmember 212. Then, thetube 220 anddeployment member 433 are withdrawn or pulled from the patient to retrieve the deflatedballoon 104. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate yet anotherretrieval mechanism 530 useful in object removal systems of the invention. With thisretrieval mechanism 530, theaspirator tube 220 is again placed within the hollow shape or shell 106 of the object orballoon 104. Theretrieval mechanism 530 is then advanced down thelumen 224 into theballoon 104. Theretrieval mechanism 530 includes a deployment member (e.g., a wire or the like) 534 that is connected at afirst end 538 to anexpansion element 536. The otherdistal end 539 of theexpansion element 536 is fed into theballoon 104. This embodiment of theretrieval mechanism 530 can be thought of as a “spring” embodiment as theexpansion element 536 may be made up of a length of spring, a spring coil, spring wire, or the like that can be “straightened” into a first profile or configuration for feeding through thetube lumen 224 and then, when in an unrestricted space such as the interior space of theballoon shell 106, theexpansion element spring 536 returns to its at rest or second profile or configuration. - The unrestricted or at rest configuration of the
expansion element 536 can be defined as having an outer dimension, D (even if not a true circle or sphere) that is larger than the outer diameter of thepuncture member 212 and/ortube 220 as shown inFIG. 5B (e.g., 2 to 10 or more times larger). As shown atarrow 550, the wire ordeployment member 534 is withdrawn or pulled back up thelumen 224 of thetube 220 until the first orproximal end 538 of theexpansion element 536 contacts or is pulled within thelumen 214 of thepuncture member 212. At this point, the unrestricted spring, which has resumed its natural or at rest state of a coil, spiral, or other non-linear shape, may compress somewhat but is selected to have a stiffness (or resistance to leaving its at rest state) that allows it to contact theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106 and grasp theballoon 104. In other words, theexpansion element 536 shown inFIG. 5B is selected such that forces applied by the deflated balloon inner surface 108 (“retraction forces”) do not compress theelement 536 to a point where its dimension, D, is less than the outer diameter of themember 212. As a result, theexpansion element 536 is able to “grasp” or engage theinner surfaces 108 when thetube 220 is withdrawn from the hole in thewall 104, and theballoon shell 106 can be pulled out of its environment draped over thespring element 536. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B show anotherretrieval mechanism 630 with a “tab-based” expansion element. As shown byarrow 631, the tab expansion element is fed through thelumen 224 of theaspiration tube 220 with wire ordeployment member 632. Themember 632 is attached to thebody 634 of the expansion element, and thebody 634 can be aligned with themember 632 in a first, smaller profile or configuration of the expansion element. Theelongated body 634 may be a relatively stiff or rigid tube or wire. On each opposite end of thebody 634 is attached a tab or graspingmember tabs tabs tabs body 634 andtabs - As shown in
FIG. 6B ,body 634 of the expansion element “expands” by swinging out of alignment with thewire 632, such as to a perpendicular or transverse position relative to thewire 632. This expanded or second, larger profile or configuration of the expansion element results in the expansion element having a dimension or width, D, that is larger than the outer diameter of thepuncture element 212 and tube wall 222 (e.g., 2 to 8 time or more larger with the ratio of 5:1 being used in some embodiments). When thewire 632 is withdrawn into thelumen 224, a surface of thebody 632 proximate to thewire 632 contacts the tip or end 216 of thepuncture member 212. In this illustrated position, thetabs puncture member 212. When, as shown byarrow 652, thetube 220 andretrieval mechanism 630 are withdrawn, contact surfaces of thetabs balloon shell 106. The contact surfaces of eachtab tube lumen 224 orlumen 214 of thepuncture element 212, whichever is less, to allow thetabs tube 220 andmember 212 into theballoon 104. Theballoon shell 104 can then be pulled out of its environment draped over the shapedextensions retrieval mechanism 630. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate still anotherretrieval mechanism 730 useful with object removal systems of the invention. As shown, theexpansion element 733 of theretrieval mechanism 730 can be though of as an expandable tube retriever or grasper. To this end, theretrieval mechanism 730 includes ahollow tube 732 of flexible plastic or elastomeric materials with an outer diameter less than the inner diameters ofaspiration tube 220 andpuncture member 212. Thetube 732 can be passed or advanced as shown atarrow 731 in a deflatedballoon 104. The tip orexpansion element 733 includes a number of cut slits parallel to the axis of thetube 732, e.g., 4 slits spaced about 90 degrees apart about the circumference of thetip 733. Theretrieval mechanism 730 further includes awire 735 that is attached toward the distal end of thetip 733 such as to aplate 736 at or near the distal end oftip 733. When the expansion element ortip 733 is positioned within theshell 106 of theballoon 104, tension is applied as shown atarrow 750 to the wire orstring 735 such that the attached end of the tip orplate 736 is pulled with thewire 735 toward thetube 220 orpuncture member 212. This movement causes theexpansion element 733 with theslits 734 to buckle and expand from the first small profile to a second profile (e.g., a cruciform shape or the like) with a width, W, that is larger than the outer diameter of thepuncture member 212 and tube wall 222 (e.g., 2 to 5 or more times larger with a minimum ratio of 3.5:1 being used in some cases). The outer surfaces of theexpansion element 733 then provide contact surfaces that contact theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106 when theretrieval mechanism 730 is pulled bywire 735 such that the expandedtip 733 abuts thepuncture element 212 and thetube 220 is withdrawn as shown at 752. -
FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate aretrieval mechanism 830 that makes use of afunnel expansion element 834. Theretrieval mechanism 830 includes a feed ordeployment wire 832 that is used to deploy as shown atarrow 831 theexpansion element 834, which is attached to thewire 832, through thelumen 224 of theaspiration tube 220. As shown byarrows 842 inFIG. 8B , thefunnel expansion element 834 expands outward from its first profile that is smaller than the inner diameter of thetube 220 andpuncture member 212 to its second profile with a width (or diameter), W, that is larger than the outer dimensions of thetube 220 andmember 212. Theexpansion element 834 may include acircular plate 835 that is attached to thewire 832 and an expandable/retractable wall 836. Thewall 836 may take a number of forms, and in one embodiment, is made of a plurality of vanes or ribs (such as elongate metal plates) that are wrapped about thewire 832. In this case, thewall 836 expands outward to width, W, and exposesinterior surfaces 838 of thewall 836. - As shown by
arrow 852 inFIG. 8C , thetube 220 is withdrawn from the balloon such that thewire 832 of theretrieval mechanism 830 extends through thehole 856 in theballoon wall 106 and theexpansion element 834 remains in the balloon 104 (e.g., thetube 220 is withdrawn initially without withdrawing or tensioning the wire 832). Then, as shown byarrow 862 inFIG. 8D , tension is applied to thewire 832 of theretrieval mechanism 830 such that thefunnel expansion element 834 moves toward thepuncture member 212 andtube 220. Theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106 is contacted by the upper edge of thewall 836 such that a portion of theballoon wall 106 is pinched or sandwiched between theinner surface 838 of thewall 836 of theexpansion element 834 and the outer surfaces of thepuncture member 212 and/ortube wall 222. Preferably, to support this grasping action, the shape of thewall 836 in the expanded or second configuration is selected to correspond to the conical shape of the exterior surfaces of the tip orpuncture member 212 or end oftubing 220. When retracted, theballoon wall 106 is captured between thefunnel expansion element 834 and thecone tip 212 with some force. Theballoon shell 104 can then be pulled out of its environment by applying tension to thetube 220 and thewire 832 of theretrieval mechanism 830. - Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as hereinafter claimed. For example, the body or bar 225 shown in
FIGS. 2A to 2C may include a groove along one side for receiving thewire 232 when the expansion element is placed in the first profile for deploying through the aspiration tube. In other embodiments, the T-bar 225 can be attached by a loop at the end of the wire rather than being attached to the end of thewire 232. In theretrieval mechanism 430 ofFIGS. 4A and 4B , theanchor legs 432 may have a curved (or concave) shape to increase their strength and the outer ends ortips 436 may be textured or include small prongs or the like for enhanced grabbing of theinner surface 108 of theballoon wall 106. Further, thetube expansion element 733 ofFIGS. 7A and 7B can be “locked” in the expanded position, such as, for example, by providing a slot or recessed latching surface in the inner lumen walls of thetube 732. A bead or ball or other shape may be attached to thewire 735 within the tip 733 (such as proximal to the plate 736). When the bead or ball is pulled to the slot or recessed latching surface within thetip 733, theexpansion element 733 becomes latched or locked in the cruciform or expanded profile.
Claims (5)
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2384477T3 (en) | 2012-07-05 |
CA2654889A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
US20070288033A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
EP2026719A1 (en) | 2009-02-25 |
AU2007257825A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
BRPI0712485A2 (en) | 2012-09-18 |
CA2654889C (en) | 2012-07-31 |
EP2026719B1 (en) | 2012-05-16 |
US9125726B2 (en) | 2015-09-08 |
AR061293A1 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
US8753369B2 (en) | 2014-06-17 |
WO2007146822A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
US20140350563A1 (en) | 2014-11-27 |
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